Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Kia Sportage. On November 21, 2006, while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to smoke. The contact noticed the smoke entering through the air vents on the passenger side of the vehicle. She pulled to the side of the road and called her local Kia dealer to inquire if she could bring her vehicle in for service. The dealer advised her to bring it in the following day. The dealer replaced the blower motor, but the failure continued for the next three years. The contact also had the brake pads replaced, but the dealer has been unable to remedy the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 05/13/08 the check engine light illuminated. Updated
The consumer rear ended another vehicle in March 2002, the consumer applied the brakes, but the vehicle failed to stop. In September 2002 the brake light illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was discovered the master cylinder had a major leak. A month later the consumer was involved in another accident, this time the consumer the dealer called it intermediate pedal drop where at times the master cylinder failed to transfer the fluid between the cylinders to provide braking to the system, the dealer denied anything was wrong.
Vehicle's engine and A/C failed. The consumer had to replace two engines within a 40000 mile usage. The vehicle stopped dead on a very busy us route 1 hwy. The sudden stop caused a traffic tie up and the vehicle was nearly rear ended by a air conditioning, the vehicle needed a complete engine replacement, valve cover gasket, front wheel bearings, drive belts out of tension, cruise control, v belts replaced, brakes and rotors, exhaust system.
Stabilizer connected to the chasis rotted from the frame and the brakes stopped working because where the brake line was connected to the frame was rotted. Brought the car to an independent mechanic to find this out. Cannot drive the vehicle in current condition as it is extremely unsafe. I was lucky I wasn't going fast and was able to get the car off the road. People should be notified to have this checked immediately, it could save someone's life.
On July 7th, my vehicle was taken to harris Kia in lansdale because the 2001 Kia Sportage was vibrating when the brakes were applied. It was found that both front rotors were warped after only 19,000 miles. Under normal driving conditions, rotors should last 60,000 miles. Kia has serious problem, these rotors are defective and should be recalled immediately.
2001 Kia Sportage suffered two complete engine failures. Along with the engine failures, there were problems with the radio, battery and the terminals, front brakes, a sensor knock, exhaust system, air condition, valve cover gasket, front wheel bearings, front pads and rotors, cruise control, and a defective idler arm.
Brake rotors and pads replaced every 12,000 miles. The last time vehicle was repaired, the rotors, pads and calipers were replaced. Consumer stated brakes were replaced three times. Dealer claimed it was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Please provide further information.
Several: loose bolts at heat shield, loose muffler bolts, problem with fan pulley, master brake cylinder defective, t-stat, engine light, dealership could not identify most recent problem, said they put a new computer in. Reflected last date below........
2001 Kia Sportage 4x4 with 76K miles. Within the last 3 weeks I have had to have the front brakes totally replaced, alternator and 2 belts replaced, muffler tailpipe rusted thru, and both front bearing hubs need to be replaced (wobbly).
Brake pedal was applied and brakes appeared to be working fine. But, as the vehicle was coming to a complete stop pedal was hard, and vehicle continued to roll, hitting another vehicle in rear. Dealer has not been contacted.
Brake complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Kia Sportage, 12% of the model year's 228 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Kia Sportage brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Kia Sportage. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Kia Sportage brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.